Verge

This 1998 oil by Dean Mitchell is called "J.K. Battle." Mitchell's work in on display through Jan. 23 in the Sill House Gallery of the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme. See art critic Matt Damsker's review of the show on Page G5.

By DON STACOM, dstacom@courant.com and The Hartford Courant, December 6, 2012

The police officer who was nearly exiled to the midnight shift when he was in charge of misconduct investigations is on track to become chief of the department. The police commission unanimously recommended Acting Chief Thomas Grimaldi for the job on Tuesday night, and the council is expected to approve the promotion next week. "You earned this," Mayor Art Ward told Grimaldi after the vote. At 46, Grimaldi has built a reputation for ethics and accountability. He was part of a reform faction in the department during a series of scandals several years ago, and is widely credited with helping restore its reputation.

Eliza Dolittle's "Words, words, words" might serve as a theme for Eric Overmyer's "On the Verge or The Geography of Learning," and all the verbiage makes this tale of three intrepid female explorers hard to swallow at times, especially at the outset. The soothing and bardic baritone of Christopher Plummer, though only taped, launches the revival at the Westport Country Playhouse on a sterling note. But the women initially seem to behave all too theatrically, as if competing in an old-fashioned elocution contest.

By DON STACOM, dstacom@courant.com and The Hartford Courant, September 28, 2012

Work could start as early as this winter to rehabilitate a key rail bridge that links about a dozen east-of-the-river companies with the rest of the nation's freight network. The state will pay $3 million toward replacing rusted support beams and worn ties and braces on the bridge, which spans the Connecticut River a short distance upstream from the Bulkeley Bridge. Connecticut Southern Railroad plans to seek bids in the next few weeks and says it can start work as soon as contracts are signed and materials arrive.

The U.S. Navy began blockading Cuban ports on April 22, 1898, as the United States and Spain were on the verge of formally declaring war. The date was incorrect in an item on Page F4 of Wednesday's Courant.

There is a major rift in the camp of featherweight boxer Angel Vazquez. Vazquez is attempting to separate from his Hartford-based management team and his promoter, Russell Peltz of Philadelphia. Vazquez, who is on the verge of a world title shot, is apparently pursuing another management/promotional concern. "I did the best I could for this kid," said George Cruz, who has been Vazquez's trainer and adviser. "We got him rated No. 2 in the world. I don't know what his problem is. I guess he wants to get rich too fast."

At one point, Pedro Almodovar thought of calling his new film "An Inopportune Rape." Ultimately he decided against using such a provocative title and settled for "Kika." But Kika's rape, prolonged and farcical, remains as the most disturbing element of this sometimes funny but brutally dark tale of urban Spanish life in an era of sensationalism and pop murder. "Kika" begins by juxtaposing a suicide-shooting and a sort of miracle: raising a young man from the dead with makeup. So, despite its bloody opening, its initial tone is jaunty.

Projects Need Construction Boss After reading a recent article titled "Mangaging School Projects" in the March 4 edition of The Courant, I would like to point out a few key areas where Southington went awry in its school projects. In the article, it states that the town has only now "mapped out" ways to deal with a construction company that few people have heard of and is on the verge of financial bankruptcy. Also stated is the ability to ease tension between the architect and the contractor.

By MIKE ANTHONY, manthony@courant.com and The Hartford Courant, April 6, 2012

Another loss, another afternoon spent stuck on 499 career victories, and Quinnipiac baseball coach Dan "Skip" Gooley sits in an empty dugout, discussing his stellar career and this most trying season. He's been a head coach for 27 seasons. His young team has been hampered by injury. There have been many close losses. On the brink of a milestone, isn't Gooley starting to feel like he's due a little good fortune? "You get what you earn," Gooley said last weekend when the team's losing streak reached seven.

Geno Auriemma shares one thing with Adolph Rupp. Well, two things. They share enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame. And, oh yeah, both beat Tennessee more times than Tennessee beat them. Yet as the UConn women prepare to pass one milestone and begin what could be a 21-month journey in chase of another hallowed college record, there remains something intriguing in contrasting Auriemma with other coaching legends. We went through this when UConn eclipsed UCLA's record of 88 consecutive victories.

Bridgeport rapper K.I. wasn't kidding when he called his new album "It's Personal" (Music Unlimted Records). It is indeed personal, a collection of boasts, grudges and, perhaps surprisingly for a genre that prizes unyielding toughness, a few deeply tender moments. "It's Personal" is K.I.'s second official album, after a handful of mixtapes and his 2010 debut, "Writing is My Therapy. " He has plenty to write about. Born Kenneth Eaddy, K.I. grew up in Bridgeport, which supplies a thread of underdog pride that runs through his songs.

The top executive of Bridgeport-based People's United Bank today made its strongest statement yet that the bank is close to making an acquisition with some of what remains of capital raised in a 2007 stock offering. Philip R. Sherringham, chief executive of the bank's parent, People's United Financial Inc., told analysts on a first-quarter earnings conference call today that the bank is nearing a deal. "While it's difficult to predict with certainty, we are pursuing a number of opportunities and feel confident that we'll have an announcement in the near future," Sherringham told analysts, according to transcript of the call.

Right fielder J.D. Drew took batting practice for the second straight day Monday, and barring any more setbacks with his sore back, he will return to the lineup Wednesday. Manager Terry Francona said before the team's workout at McAfee Coliseum that Drew would be available tonight against Joe Blanton and the Athletics, but that his first start would come Wednesday afternoon against Rich Harden. Jacoby Ellsbury will start in right field tonight. "We'll get one game out of him the next couple of days," Francona said.

Bridgeport rapper K.I. wasn't kidding when he called his new album "It's Personal" (Music Unlimted Records). It is indeed personal, a collection of boasts, grudges and, perhaps surprisingly for a genre that prizes unyielding toughness, a few deeply tender moments. "It's Personal" is K.I.'s second official album, after a handful of mixtapes and his 2010 debut, "Writing is My Therapy. " He has plenty to write about. Born Kenneth Eaddy, K.I. grew up in Bridgeport, which supplies a thread of underdog pride that runs through his songs.

The Giants and Michael Strahan were on the verge of great things as they prepared for the Texans Nov. 5. The Giants had bounced off their bye in Week 4 with four straight wins, successfully shaking off a 42-30 loss in Seattle. They blasted the Cowboys in Dallas two weeks earlier, with the defense taking control of a game many felt might be a barometer for a potential Super Bowl run. And Strahan, their seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end, was finally tied with Lawrence Taylor for the team's career sacks lead (132 1/2)

What can you tell me about Union Station in New Haven? R.H., West Haven. New Haven's classic Beaux Arts Union Station is the city's third. The first was built in 1849 at Union and Chapel streets. Designed by Henry Austin, it set the standard for railroad building style in America. The station had two levels. The 300-foot street level building had a tower at each end, including a bell and clock tower, and a short pagoda in the center above the main entrance. The train platform was below street level.